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The Great Hypostyle Hall is one of the most spectacular monuments of ancient
Egypt. Possibly begun by Amenophis III, this veritable forest of soaring
pillars was continued by Seti I and finished by Ramses II. Covering an area of
7,200 square yards, it is large enough to contain Notre Dame Cathedral.
The north wall of the Great Hypostyle Hall dwarfs an
Egyptian laborer.
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At the start, you're facing south towards the heart of the temple. In the
background center of the image, outlined against the sky, stands one of the
soaring central columns. Two rows of these massive, 69-foot-tall columns range
east-to-west down the central gallery. All the other pillars you see as you
rotate around comprise some of the Hall's 122 lower columns. Look for the sun
discs, depicted by a circle, carved into many of the columns.
Beautifully carved hieroglyphics and designs cover the Hall's columns.
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